Holland police officer says efforts in Iraq worth it

This story originally published Aug. 12, 2005, when Ken DeKleine received recognition for this work in Iraq.

HOLLAND -- After six months in Iraq, a short visit home felt a little surreal for Ken DeKleine.

The Holland police officer, who has taken a year leave of absence to train Iraqi police, went almost overnight from riding in convoys to accompanying his 15-year-old daughter as she drove through town.

"I was used to all the traffic stopping for us," said DeKleine with a smile.

The three weeks he spent with his family went quickly.

He, his wife, Lori, and their two children, Breanne, 15, and son Christopher, 13, stayed in a friend's cottage up north and camped at a local campground.

And he kept his camera out. He snapped lots photos of scenes he used to take for granted.

After living in a desert, DeKleine has gained a new appreciation for Michigan's greenness.

"I just wanted pictures of the common life back here," said DeKleine, who returned to Iraq earlier this week.

While he has been gone, his wife, Lori, has filled up a thick album with photos he has taken of his life in Iraq. One shows him attempting to smoke a "hookah," a traditional water tobacco pipe.

Experiencing Iraqi culture has been part of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

There have been a few lessons along the way. He tries not to show too much curiosity or interest when an Iraqi shows him a prized possession.

"If someone shows interest in something you have, you give it up," said DeKleine, explaining that is how many Iraqis show hospitality.

DeKleine says he appreciates the generosity of relatives, friends and his colleagues at the Holland police station who have sent him e-mails and care packages.

He works for a contractor that trains Iraqi police in academies or through mentoring.
In his latest assignment, DeKleine is working with a police official who oversees a province with about 35 police stations.

The retired military leader is well-respected by his men, DeKleine said.

"I'm very conscious that I'm not going to tell him what to do or not to do," DeKleine said.
DeKleine is in helping to set up a records system to track who works at the stations and inventory equipment.

DeKleine doesn't regret his decision to go to Iraq.

He thinks he is making a difference -- one person at a time.

"Am I going to change Iraq? No. Is the U.S. (military) going to change to Iraq? No. It's going to be the individual actions of individuals helping individuals," DeKleine said.

Change will take decades and generations, he believes.

He said the Iraqis have and will continue to benefit from the toppling of Saddam Hussein's government.

"They were getting so run down and abused as a country, somebody needed to do something. Is it painful? Yes. Is it costly? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes."